Dedication explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Slavery and Oppression

  Equiano highlights the miseries inflicted by the slave trade on his countrymen.

• Christianity and Providence

  He regards his introduction to Christianity as compensation for his sufferings.

• Abolition and Advocacy

  The dedication is a direct plea for abolition, urging Parliament to act with benevolence.

Characters to notice

• Olaudah Equiano

  Author and narrator, dedicating his narrative to Parliament.

Key passages

• “Permit me, with the greatest deference and respect, to lay at your feet the following genuine Narrative; the chief design of which is to excite in your august assemblies a sense of compassion for the miseries which the Slave Trade has entailed on my unfortunate countrymen.”

  Allow me to respectfully present this true story, intended to inspire compassion in your esteemed assembly for the suffering caused by the slave trade to my people.

  Equiano states his purpose for the narrative.

• “By the horrors of that trade was I first torn away from all the tender connections that were naturally dear to my heart; but these, through the mysterious ways of Providence, I ought to regard as infinitely more than compensated by the introduction I have thence obtained to the knowledge of the Christian religion, and of a nation which, by its liberal sentiments, its humanity, the glorious freedom of its government, and its proficiency in arts and sciences, has exalted the dignity of human nature.”

  The slave trade tore me from my loved ones, yet I consider this loss more than balanced by my introduction to Christianity and a nation that values liberty, humanity, and knowledge.

  Equiano reflects on his personal loss and perceived gain through Providence.